HOUSTON — Sunday’s duel between LeBron James and James Harden should go down as an instant classic. Those two put on a magnificent show that forced millions to stay glued to the television.
The only thing that prevented the game from being 100 percent appealing is David Blatt’s infatuation and overuse of point guard Matthew Dellavedova.
This isn’t a knock on Dellavedova. He works tirelessly and is a loyal teammate and diligent professional. He tries to avoid mistakes and is extremely coachable, but that shouldn’t equate to 42 minutes (on Sunday) or 18 field goal attempts (on Friday).
This has nothing to do with Kyrie Irving being out with a left shoulder strain. Dellavedova has been over-utilized for quite some time now. And if you dare ask Blatt about Dellavedova’s usage rate and lack of productivity, prepare to get an earful.
Delly, you know. Let’s talk about Delly, an undrafted player. He had 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a high-level NBA game, Blatt said after Friday’s loss to Indiana in which Dellavedova was 5-of-18 from the field with a plus-minus of -15.
What more can you ask? And he fights his behind off on defense like he does everyday, so nothing but good words for him.
The scrappy guard does provide perimeter toughness and full-court defensive pressure. But in truth, his defense looks better than it actually is. He’s constantly moving, which makes it appear like he’s locking someone up. Once opponents realize it’s an act, they tend to go right past him.
He doesn’t have the foot speed to stay with high-level NBA point guards, of which there are so many. He’ll create a hard foul at a moment’s notice, but usually it’s because he’s about to get beat.
One reason Blatt loves him some Delly is probably because he sees himself in him. I asked Blatt before the Houston game how he would describe his own basketball game during his playing days at Princeton and overseas.
I was a guy who loved to play, Blatt said. I played hard everyday, played for the team and put winning above and beyond all. I valued and trusted my teammates and my coaches.
I asked Dellavedova the same exact question.
I’m a competitor and a team player, he said. I try to bring energy defensively, move the ball and knock down those open threes when they’re out there. I love playing the game and winning.
Does that ring a bell?
The Cavaliers surveyed the landscape for an upgrade at the backup point guard spot, but were unsuccessful in part due to not having enough assets to land one. Over the last couple of games Iman Shumpert has taken some of the ball-handling responsibilities, with mixed results.
His decision-making skills are a bit rusty, but he’s capable of creating quality shots for teammates. But it doesn’t sound like Blatt sees a point guard future in Shumpert.
Iman in the past has played a little bit of point. It’s not his natural position. It’s not what you want go to the bank with but in a moment of need, he can do the job, Blatt said.
Shumpert disagrees.
Like I tell everybody, I’ve played point my whole life, he said. But in this league, they need you to do certain things. I guess they don’t need me to play point right now.
I’m not sure that’s accurate. Cleveland needs someone to step in and spell Irving when Dellavedova is ineffective.
It’s obvious that Blatt has taken a liking to Dellavedova and that’s fine and understandable. He’s a coach’s player, willing to challenge that proverbial brick wall. He won’t change that style if he’s playing fewer minutes, so maybe it’s time Blatt decided that Dellavedova is better in smaller doses.
But hey, what do we know?
The three main differences between being a professional player and being a professional coach are as follows, Blatt says. As a coach, No. 1, you sleep a lot less. As a coach, No. 2, you worry a lot more.
As a coach, No. 3, and most significant particularly in the company to all those I’m speaking to, the moment you become a coach, suddenly everyone knows more than you do.